A View from 4,500ft

3rd Annual Angels and Acorns

Highlands Cove Realty and Old Edwards Club have partnered for the 3rd annual Angels and Acorns event!

Highlands Cove Realty and Old Edwards Club have partnered once again for the 3rd annual Angels and Acorns event. This event is an effort to raise money, backpacks and school supplies for the Boys and Girl Club of the Plateau, as well as collect canned goods which are donated to the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry. We have bags that can be provided to anyone who would like to use them to clean out your pantry.

ITEMS IN NEED ARE:

Art Supplies

Small Toys

Books

110 Backpacks for all Age Groups

Non-perishable Food Items

Personal Hygiene Items

Cash or Checks (please make checks payable to The Boys and Girl Club)

We are now accepting donations at the Highlands Cove Realty office and at Old Edwards Club.

Come Play Golf on the Mountains

How far will you drive? It’s every golfers dream to hit the ball 10 – 15 yards farther. Astride the Eastern Continental Divide, at just over 4,100 feet, the little town of Highlands allows you to make that dream a reality. Highlands is one of the very rare locations at this latitude that has an average high of only 78°F in July, making it a desirable place for people looking to spend the day on the course. But is it really any surprise that golf has become so popular here in the mountains, when you have high elevation, cool temperatures, and views that are as pretty as a postcard!

One of the best parts about golf here in the mountains is that we have bent grass on the tees, fairways and greens. The other best part about golf here in the mountains is the number of clubs you get to choose from in the Highlands/Cashiers area. We have 12 private clubs and 2 public courses. One of the more well-known private clubs here is Old Edwards Club which features a Tom Jackson-designed course. Old Edwards Club golf course merges with the natural topography and incorporates inspiring terrain, beautiful trees, flowing waterfalls and panoramic views. It will tempt and challenge the better players while providing a fun experience for the higher handicap player and families.

The Advantages of Living in a Gated Community

All over the nation, there are neighborhoods which are set back from the road and surrounded by gates. These gated communities are highly appealing to some home buyers who like the exclusivity, privacy and security that they feel is afforded to them when living in one of these neighborhoods. However, others feel that the drawbacks of living in a gated community actually outweigh these perceived benefits. Whether or not to live in a gated community depends greatly on the things that you value in the neighborhood where you live. Keeping in mind the below benefits may help you determine if life behind the gates is worth it.

Security

If feeling secure in your neighborhood matters the most to you, being surrounded by gates might be a priority. This is the number one reason people usually choose to live in a gated community. Because gated communities are private, it is more difficult to access than a standard community.

Criminal activity is reduced in gated communities and solicitors have a more difficult time disturbing residents.

HOAs

The first thing that comes to mind when someone says “HOA” are the fees associated with it. But many homeowners appreciate that along with those fees come many benefits.

Homes within an HOA must protect property values and maintain community standards set by the association or face a fine, so you’re less likely to see unkempt lawns, peeling paint or a garishly painted house.

Depending on the HOA, services such as trash and lawn care are handled by the association, leaving less work for the homeowner.

Many offer a range of amenities such as a community center, walking trails, sports courts and playing fields reserved for residents. Typically, these areas are maintained by the association.

If you have a problem with your neighbors, you can ask the management to handle the issue rather than getting directly into a spat with the homeowner next door.

Sense of Community

While this can be said of non-gated communities, there is something about gated communities that offer a strong sense of belonging. Perhaps it’s the idea of exclusivity, feeling like you are surrounded by people who share your dreams and lifestyle. Gated communities are an excellent way to make friends and participate in activities with those close to you in proximity.

5 Tips on Buying a Second Home

There are a lot of factors you have to take into consideration when you are buying a home. Buying a home can be an exciting process, but at the same time it can also be very nerve-wracking when you don’t know exactly what to expect. Here are 5 tips to help make the home buying process go more smoothly!

1. Decide if now is the right time to buy

The first step in the home buying process is to make sure it is right time for you to buy. It is very important to consider market conditions, personal finances and the affordability of the property. Make sure to really think through your plans before you jump right into it. Before you even start shopping, clean up our credit and save for a bigger down payment to avoid costly fees and qualify for a better mortgage.

2. Find a the Right Real Estate Agent

While most sellers list their home through an agent, those agents are for the seller, not you. You need to find an agent who you can trust and will give you quality advice when you need it. A buyer’s representative has the same access to homes for sale that a seller’s agent does, but their allegiance is supposed to be only to you.

3. Research the Area

Even if you’ve been visiting the same vacation spot for years, you need to get to know the area from a nontourist perspective if you plan to buy there. Visit during the place off-season and talk to locals to get their take on the area. This will make you more confident that this is the place you want to buy your second home.

4. Get a Home Inspection

The inspection will make you aware of what might be wrong with the house when you cannot see it. If there are major problems, you’ll be happy you spent the money for an inspection. If you do not find anything that will make you more confident in your purchase.

5. Understand What You’re Signing

YAY! Only a few more papers between you and your new home. You should request a draft copy of any documents so you can preview them before the actual closing date. This will allow you more time to make sense of what you’re signing. If you do not understand something, ask your team to explain further.

Buying a home is a big process, but doing research and involving the right people can make your home buying experience go smoothly. Highlands Cove Realty is here to help with the process when the time is right for you to buy a new home! Take advantage of these amazing winter perks and prices now. Median sale prices increased by 8.7% from 2016. Do not take a risk a wait any longer, or prices may increase even more in 2017.

Now Is the Perfect Time to Buy

Thinking about buying a house but not sure if now is the right time? Here are some great things to consider on why now is the perfect time to start your search for your dream home!

There are a number of reasons why the winter months are ideal to start your real estate search. These months are considered “off-season” for us and prices of the properties typically increase once the season starts again. If you want to get the best (and lowest) prices, start your search now especially while interest rates are low.

Many sellers are also very motivated during this time as they would like to get a property sold before the season starts. If you are interested in an investment property, this is definitely the time to start looking so the property is ready before the start of the rental season.

This time of the year is simply magical here in Highlands, NC. Winters here provide clear, stunning views making it the perfect time to see what view your potential new home has to offer. Come experience the quiet winters here in the mountains, and see for yourself why everyone falls in love with it here.

The Highlands/Cashiers area of North Carolina is more than a destination. It’s a lifestyle. When you’re ready to make it your own—for a weekend or forever—Highlands Cove Realty at Old Edwards Club can help.

Highlands Cove Realty specializes in luxury mountain homes, homesites, condominiums, cottages and rentals at Old Edwards Club and in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain communities.

Highlands Cove Realty’s main focus is representing buyers and sellers within Old Edwards Club and the surrounding Highlands/Cashiers area. If you want to live the Old Edwards lifestyle, Highlands Cove Realty is here to help. We pride ourselves on our exceptional service, making your experience of buying or selling a home quick and enjoyable.

Take advantage of these amazing winter perks and prices now. Median sale prices increased by 8.7% from 2016. Do not take a risk a wait any longer, or prices may increase even more in 2017.
When you’re ready to make your dream home a reality, Highlands Cove Realty at Old Edwards club can make that happen!

Forest Fires in the North Carolina Mountains

More than 52,000 acres in Western NC have now been charred by over 20 wildfires that are spreading through Western NC. There are currently 16 active fires; however, the fires at this point are well contained and under control.

So, no need to worry as this is still a perfect time for a weekend getaway to the mountains! Highlands is beautiful this time of year, as you can watch the changing of the seasons and go for a hike through any of the national and state parks. There are also great fishing paradises in our several surrounding lakes and rivers. Getting dark outside? There’s plenty to do at night too. Enjoy the shopping, dining and history of Highlands! Most are just smoldering with only small amounts of burn activity. A cold front and winds over the weekend have removed most of the smoke from the area as well.

Thousands of firefighters are currently fighting to contain the Forest Fires in Western NC and get the fires under control. These are a combination of both local firefighters, and firefighters that have travelled in from all over the country to assist.

Many of the more than 20 active wildfires in North Carolina are being investigated as suspected arson. A couple of arrests have already been made in TN and the people charged with arson as a result of setting fires. North Carolina has a $10,000 reward for anyone that can provide information leading to the arrest of anyone connected with starting any of the NC fires.

Governor Pat McCrory requested federal funding to assist with fighting the fires. Funding was approved and a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will pay 75% of the emergency protective measures taken while fighting the fires.

Wildfires often start due to environmental causes, especially under dry conditions, like Western North Carolina is experiencing now. North Carolina and other surrounding states are experiencing some of the driest conditions in history this fall. The majority of the current NC Wildfires are the result of humans. Things like sparks from machinery, unattended campfires, leaf burning and cigarettes.

Some helpful tips for proper wood fire burning:

Avoid using wet or rotten wood, and never burn trash or cardboard in your fireplace.

Pressure-treated wood and chipboard are also inappropriate.

To start the fire, you need kindling — smaller pieces of wood that will take flame easily.

Stack a few split logs on your grate and place kindling around and below them.

When it is time to dispose of the ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down.

Keep the metal container outside your home and away from any combustibles until the refuse is hauled away.

DO NOT place any other combustibles in the metal container.

DO NOT use a combustible container.

Sweet Summer Time

Beat the heat this summer and have some fun in the sun when you visit Highlands, NC. There are lots of fun ways to keep cool in this summer heat and below are a few of our favorite outdoor activities!

Make a SplashEnjoy beautiful Lake Glenville or any of the many streams or lakes in the area. The lake’s cool mountain waters are perfect for fishing.

There are also many waterfalls in the Highlands/Cashiers area that are easily enjoyed. Pack a lunch and enjoy one of the many hiking trails in the area, followed by a nice dip in one of the refreshing waterfalls. Visit North Carolina Waterfalls for more information regarding the waterfalls in Highlands and the surrounding areas.

We’re On Pinterest!

We are excited to announce that we have officially joined the world of Pinterest! What is Pinterest exactly? Pinterest is an online bookmarking tool that helps you discover, share, and categorize images found online.

Check out our Pinterest “boards” for the latest information on the Highlands/Cashiers area and what’s happening at Highlands Cove Realty. Discover everything from what to do in Western North Carolina, to what luxury homes are currently for sale.

Follow us and re-pin, save, like and share our pictures! OR share some of your discoveries with us!

10 Reasons to Fall in Love with Highlands, NC

June 9, 2016

The village of Highlands may be quaint, but it sure does have a lot to offer. Here is our list of the top 10 reasons we fell in love with Highlands, and why you will, too!(more…)

Highlands Most Recent Visitors

May 24, 2016

We had some surprise visitors here in Highlands…a Momma Bear and her two cubs! Although, they may look cute and cuddly, we strongly encourage that our owners practice bear safety, as black bears can be very destructive!

It’s normal to be frightened when you encounter a bear. The reality is that most encounters with bears rarely lead to aggressive behavior and attacks are even more rare.

When visiting Highlands, there is a chance of encountering bears. Practice and follow these simple guidelines below as they can be very useful.

1. Stay calm. Most bears prefer to avoid contact with humans, and any bear you do see is probably just as frightened as you are!
2. Respect its need for personal space. Do not approach it, even to get a photo, and give it as much room as possible.
3. Keep garbage secure until garbage day.
4. Keep barbeque and outdoor cooking stove clean, and keep window and doors closed when cooking.
5. Don’t store any food outside.
6. Keep your car locked and free of food.
7. Don’t use bird feeders during the spring and summer.
8. If you have fruit trees, remove fallen fruit from the ground.
9. Feed your pets indoors – pet food is a huge attraction to black bears.

Owning a Vacation Property is Easy

March 15, 2016

Buying rental property can be one of the most secure and fastest ways to increase wealth. Here are five tips on how to buy a rental property and begin your real estate investing.

Do Your Homework

Once you have made the decision you want to buy rental property, it is very important that you do research and ask the right questions.

Have a Plan

By stating your plan and your criteria, you can hold yourself accountable to your goals.

Make Sure You Can Afford It

Investing in property is a proven path to long-term wealth, however you should consider it a medium to longer term type of investment, so you’ll want to make sure that you can afford it.

Begin Shopping

It’s important to get in touch with a local real estate agent that you can trust to get you the right information. If you are looking in the Highlands/ Cashiers area of NC, Highlands Cove Realty can help you every step of the way!

Choose the Right Property At the Right Price

Choosing a property that is more likely to increase in value is the most important decision you will make, so buying at the right price is absolutely critical.

Love the Mountains

February 12, 2016

Love your spouse and love the mountains this Valentine’s Day. Enjoy the whole weekend or take a day trip and visit the small, yet very romantic town of Highlands, NC.

Here are some last minute ideas that might inspire you to take a trip to Highlands this Valentine’s season!(more…)

Tax Benefits Of Buying A Home Before The New Year

December 9, 2015

If you have interest in buying a home, now may be the perfect time to do so. There are several tax benefits you may want to take advantage of when buying a home at this time of year. Check out the tax benefits below of buying a home before the New Year.

5 Tips for Selling Your Home

November 24, 2015

If you are planning to put your house on the market, it goes without saying that you are hoping to sell your home as quickly as possible and also get your asking price. Here are some tips for styling and upgrading your home so you have success when selling!(more…)

Angels and Acorns

November 16, 2015

Highlands Cove Realty partners with the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau this holiday season

It is our hope and desire that every child has an opportunity to experience the joy of the holiday season. Please join Highlands Cove Realty for it’s inaugural charity Angels and Acorns event.

How Much is Your Home Worth

National Home Values Continue to Increase: Find out how much your home is worth today!

Culinary Weekend is Finally Here!

November 4, 2015

The long-awaited weekend has finally arrived! Tomorrow, November 5th, officially marks the first day of Culinary Weekend. We are proud to be a sponsor of the 9th Annual Culinary Weekend and we hope you are as excited as we are.

HCR Joins the World of Blogging

October 6, 2015

Highlands Cove Realty is excited to announce that we have started our own blog. We hope to use this blog as a way to communicate important real estate news, information, and even tips to help make your experiences easier.(more…)